Can Aloe Vera Heal Your Acne Scars?

Whether pitted, hyperpigmented, or somewhere in between, acne scars can be as frustrating and persistent as breakouts themselves. Aloe vera is one topical ingredient that has been touted for its acne-scar-fading abilities, at least anecdotally.

As big fans of this all-natural ingredient, we've already discussed its numerous research-backed benefits. When it comes to acne scar treatment, however, the research and expert opinion are less clear. In fact, there has been no conclusive research on acne scars and aloe vera in particular. What we do know is that aloe contains certain properties that aid in the healing of the skin—and thus, one can infer, acne scars. In this article, we'll go over the science and expert-backed healing properties of aloe vera in relation to acne scars.

Although it cannot heal scars, it can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Acne scars come in various shapes and sizes. Professional acne scar treatments are often required for pitted scars or those that are depressed into the skin and raised keloid scars. Topical aloe vera will not help heal these scars. Aloe vera, on the other hand, may have some benefits for another type of acne residue. Although post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not technically a scar, it frequently occurs after breakouts and is as bothersome as the breakouts themselves for many people. They can be dark brown, tan, pink, or red in colour.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, also known as dark spots, appears frequently after pimples, pustules, and cystic breakouts. Aloesin, a naturally occurring compound in the aloe plant, can help lighten things up. Aloesin was shown to effectively fade post-acne hyperpigmentation when applied to skin four times per day for two weeks. Also, topical aloesin application can directly inhibit hyperpigmented skin from producing more melanin, the natural pigment in skin that causes dark spots to form.

If your post acne pigmentation is severe, combining aloe vera—or aloe-vera-infused skin care products—with a prescribed topical such as a retinoid or retinol alternative may be your best bet for fading. In other words, if your dark spots are particularly stubborn, don't rely solely on aloe vera. Rather, combine it with another dermatologist-recommended (or prescribed) topical to increase the scar-fading power by a factor of two.

Anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera.

Another naturally occurring compound in the aloe vera plant, aloin, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that promote overall skin healing. After all, inflammation is at the root of a growing number of health issues, including skin problems, which is where topical aloe vera can help. Aloe is a great anti-inflammatory and it can certainly help with the anti-inflammatory effect and healing damaged skin.

According to one study, topical aloe vera gel was found to be even more effective at suppressing skin inflammation than hydrocortisone cream - a steroid commonly prescribed to treat a variety of inflammatory skin issues. This is critical because, as numerous studies have shown, inflammation occurs at every stage of acne development and in all types of acne. Bottom line: Controlling inflammation is critical to maintaining overall skin health and preventing acne scarring.

Aloe vera may help your other acne treatments work better.

Aloe vera contains salicylic acids, which are well-known for their ability to clear up all types of acne, from blackheads to cystic acne and everything in between. Salicylic acid works by penetrating oil glands and reducing oil production, which helps keep pores clear. According to research, salicylic acid is one of the most effective acids for treating acne scars. Another study found that topical aloe vera combined with tretinoin, a retinoid, effectively treated acne.

So, while aloe vera may not be enough to prevent chronic acne on its own, it can help boost the effectiveness of other acne-fighting products when used in conjunction with it, thanks to its natural level of salicylic acid. While this isn't directly related to acne scars, having less acne means less acne scars in the future.

Aloe has the ability to increase collagen production.

Collagen is essential for overall bodily health for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is skin health. To begin, collagen is the main structural protein in your skin that provides it with strength, resiliency, and elasticity. Increased collagen production can help smooth the skin's surface in the case of acne scars; in fact, collagen injections are sometimes used to fill and treat deeply pitted acne scars.

Aloe vera naturally stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin, which has been shown to enhance skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In a similar vein, topical aloe vera has been shown to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. In other words, by encouraging increased collagen and elastin production in the skin, aloe vera encourages skin to replenish and heal itself from the inside out—a necessary component for those who love natural acne scar treatment in Mumbai.